Answers to OPERS member questions

This month: We address the COLA, retiring early and other retirement benefits

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Aug. 20, 2026 – Members and retirees often ask us questions through our social media channels that others could benefit from. Periodically we post these questions and answers in our PERSpective blog.

Q: With inflation so high, couldn’t OPERS increase the amount of the cost-of-living adjustment in 2027?

A: The amount of the COLA that OPERS provides to retirees is written in state law. The annual COLA for those who retired prior to Jan. 7, 2013, is set at 3%. The COLA is based on inflation for those who retired on or after that date.

Specifically, it’s based on the change in the CPI-W from the end of June two years prior to the issuance of the COLA to the end of June in the year before the COLA, with a maximum adjustment of 3%. For instance, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the CPI-W increased 3.5% over the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Thus, the inflation-based adjustment for 2027 will be 3%.

Q: Is there a way to view my OPERS online account without using my Social Security number?

A: Personal information, including the member or recipient’s name, date of birth, Social Security number, mobile number, email address and physical address, is required to register for the OPERS online account. OPERS has updated its online account registration process to meet current security standards. As part of this process, OPERS uses identity verification to help protect members’ and recipients’ accounts. Personal information is needed to verify identity and complete online account registration.

Q: I would like to retire early, but I am not sure what preparation I have to make leading up to my OPERS retirement. I also would like to know what my options are when it comes to my medical insurance. What should I do?

A: OPERS has a robust website and set of educational tools that offer plenty of information for those seeking to know more about retirement and health care.

Our “Retiring from the Traditional Pension Plan” page includes information about retirement eligibility, when you’re eligible for health care, how to apply, and tools that can help you create pension and health care estimates from your online account.

Our Education Department offers in-person events and live webinars. Plus, you can always schedule a session with an OPERS counselor through your online account, or by calling 800-222-7377.

Q: I’m currently going through a divorce, and I was eligible to retire last year. I know my spouse will receive a portion of my retirement, but will the amount freeze at the divorce date if I continue to work? Must I list my spouse as a beneficiary?

A: Under Ohio domestic relations law, retirement benefits acquired by a spouse during marriage are marital property and are subject to equitable distribution, or division, between the spouses when the marriage is terminated. OPERS follows what is agreed upon and ordered in your Division of Property order/divorce decree/separation agreement. The OPERS Domestic Relations leaflet provides further information about how divorce can impact your OPERS pension.

Q:  Do OPERS retirees have the option of getting a Survivor Benefit Plan, similar to plans that the U.S. military and Cincinnati Retirement System provide for dependents?

A: Survivor benefits are available to be paid to eligible survivors if the member is in the Traditional Pension Plan or Combined Plan, passes away prior to retirement, and had met the eligibility requirements. The OPERS Survivor Benefits leaflet provides further information.

At the time of retirement, the member chooses a plan of payment and can designate a beneficiary or multiple beneficiaries to receive a lifetime monthly benefit upon the member’s passing. Further information about these payment plans can be found on the OPERS website.

Q: I am retired with just less than 12 years in OPERS, and I receive a monthly pension. I would like to work the election this fall but was told by another OPERS member that this is not allowed, because I would be paid a small stipend. Is this true? 

A: Re-employment with a public employer may impact monthly service retirement benefits and the Health Reimbursement Arrangement. The OPERS Returning to Work After Retirement leaflet provides information about how re-employment can impact benefits.

However, in accordance with an Ohio law enacted in 2025, election workers are no longer considered public employees regardless of their earnings. Retirees re-employed as poll workers or other election workers will not have their retirement benefits impacted in any way. Please contact your employer to determine if you would be required to contribute to OPERS during your re-employment.